The Thurston County Coroner’s Office has identified the man killed in an officer-involved shooting on Tuesday, April 28, as Todd Bass, 44, of Lacey, Washington.
According to a press release from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), the incident began at approximately 2:37 p.m. When a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle traveling at 90 mph in a 35 mph zone on Yelm Highway Southeast. During the encounter, both the deputy’s vehicle and the suspect’s vehicle crashed.
The TCSO stated that Bass fled the scene on foot, and deputies reported hearing shots fired in a backyard. Deputies pursued Bass on foot and shots were fired, striking him. Medical aid was rendered, but Bass did not survive.
No deputies were injured during the incident. All deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave, consistent with TCSO policy.
Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock announced that a medical exam will be performed on Friday, May 1, to determine the cause and manner of death.
The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) is currently investigating the shooting. Once the OII investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
This represents a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.